- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano's leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
3 h 33 m
Average duration
5 h 57 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
307 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 4 trains that leave Florence Santa Maria Novella for Lugano on Mon, Jun 01, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 307 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 33 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 7 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 190 miles (307 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $177 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano costing on average $67 (€54).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 56m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Italo, Trenitalia, Trenitalia EuroCity.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:32 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 7h18 | 9:50 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:32 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 7h18 | 10:50 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:32, the last at 14:55. The fastest train covers the 190 miles (307 km) distance in 2h 16m.
Distance 190 miles (307 km) |
Average train duration 4h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 2:32 AM |
Last train 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano's leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting exhibitions in an elegant palace setting and complementing the main LAC venue.
The museum institution behind MASI, central to Lugano's visual arts scene and well regarded for Swiss and international art programming.
Lugano's main square and social hub, lined with historic buildings and ideal for experiencing the city's atmosphere day and night.
Lugano's signature lakeside park, loved for its flower beds, old trees, waterfront views, and highly photogenic paths.
The scenic promenade along Lake Lugano, one of the city's essential walks with mountain views and classic postcard scenery.
Creamy risotto cooked with local Merlot wine, a signature Ticinese dish that reflects the region’s strong wine culture and northern Italian influence.
Slow-cooked cornmeal served soft or set, often paired with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats; it is one of the most traditional staples in Ticino.
Beef braised slowly in red wine and served with polenta, a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish found in grottos and traditional restaurants.
Established fine dining restaurant in Lugano known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished contemporary setting.
Historic hillside grotto above Lugano appreciated for regional specialties, local wines, and a charming traditional setting with scenic appeal.
Well-known traditional grotto-style restaurant serving classic Ticinese dishes in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Groceries and takeaway help reduce costs.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano Railway Station, Lugano -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Lugano by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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